the pentagon later did its own investigation and admitted at the time there was no tactical or strategic purpose for the outpost. >> at the end of the day was it worth it do you think, combat outpost keating being there? >> i don't want to say it wasn't worth it. i feel it takes away from what we did. >> it is a complicated area. hate to say we occupied the area for three years and didn't accomplish nothing. i hate to say that or think that. >> reporter: a question that gnaws at many survivors of the outpost and those who loved the ones who did not survive. for "nightline," jake tapper in washington. >>> the heroes, thanks to jake. thank you for watching abc news. jimmy kimmel is up next. we will see you here tomorrow. >>> up next on an all n j